Le Colonial & History - Asia’s Oldest Heritage House

Le Colonial, by the Chinese fishing nets of Fort Cochin, is Asia’s oldest colonial house. Located right next to Saint Francis Church, it once was the home to both Saint Francis of Assisi and Vasco da Gama. Built in 1506 as the home of the Portuguese Governor, it was one of the very few houses to have been spared 150 years later when the Dutch took over Fort Cochin and destroyed the town. It then housed the Dutch Governor of Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), better known as the Dutch East India Company , for the following century and a half.

In 1795, Jan van Spall sold the house to the British. In turn, they passed it on to J. Thomas, the legendary tea trader.
These five captive centuries of history have now been lovingly restored and the hotel is a true living museum. Treasures of art from the colonial past have revived that era, turning Le Colonial into a “club” for discerning travelers.

Lazing by the pool.

After a morning strolling the antique shops in Jew Town, an afternoon in the Backwaters or simply
because you need to relax and unwind, you will enjoy the calm of our garden and a dip in the pool, away from the hustle and bustle of Fort Cochin .

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If I need a good reason to return to Southern India, Le Colonial with its comfort, beauty and loving care would be it.

Hanna

WASHINGTON DC, USA

Thank you very much for an accomodating and kid friendly stay here. We loved the location and the tastefully decorated “heritage” home. The food was delicious and so was your service with a smile. I will definitely recommend and be sure to return. Thanks again.

Cris Smith & Jannine

NEW YORK CITY, USA

Thank you so much to all the staff for their amazing, wonderful hospitality and to the chef for his fabulous imaginative meals and for your patience with our crazy schedule. This was the most luxurious introduction to Kerala and such a calm beautiful HISTORIC space to return to after long days. We only wish we could stay longer and are already dreaming of a return visit with the entire family.
Thank you and à bientôt…

Our stay here was as close to home… Couldn’t have asked for any better care and service. Each and every staff went above and beyond to take care of our needs, especially us, travelling with a 3 year old!!
We cannot thank you enough…

Saina

Boston, USA

The joy of stepping through those solid doors into a tranquil green space! This has been a home from home, full of gracious hospitality and elegance and we leave with batteries recharged. Our thanks and best wishes.
With fondest regards…

Millie & Richardl

Melbourne, Australia

We are India first timers and have travelled for the last three weeks from Bangalore to Cochin. This last stay has been the best of the lot. A wonderful location, private but fully accessible to everything you need. And inside, the rooms, the pool, the ambiance and particularly the food are fabulous.
Thank you.

Roger & Vanessa

Saxlingham Thorpe, UK

Thank you for a wonderful stay in Kochi! We loved the peacful ambiance and the staff was so great to us. We especially loved the dinners, so our best compliments to the chef! Would love to come back again

Neha, Maddie & Ally

Houston, USA

Thank you and congratulations for running such a lovely establishment. The location and setting is perfect and the sense of being in a home paradise.Best wishes…”

David, Wendy, Charlie & Maddie

Los Angeles, USA

We have loved everything here in this beautiful house. The food is delicious and it was a treat to be “surprised”. Thank you to all the staff for such a warm, impeccable service. Le Colonial will rank among our favourite hotels in the world.”

Charles & Carolyn

West Sussex, UK

Thank you everyone for looking after me so well and making my stay so pleasant. What a beautiful house and such amazing food too!
Hope to come back!

Nic

Perth, Australia

Thank you for a wonderful few days in your beautiful house. I loved everything about it, especially the friendly people and wonderful food. My special thanks to Sumesh and Vipin for making my trip to Cochin so good and thank you to the chefs for my cooking lesson. I hope to see you again soon.

Veronica

New York, USA

We had a wonderful stay here, thank you very much for a warm welcome and delicious food! Service and willingness to help were much appreciated. We will definitely recommend this lovely hotel!
Thank you!

Ramani & Margaret

London, UK

Thank you so much for your hospitality!!! This is a beautiful place and we had a great stay here!!! The manager is a great host and all the people/staff are excellent. Many thanks again for having us. We would love to come back and stay again!
All the best…

DK & Ritu

New Delhi, India

“Thank you the the manager and staff for your amazing service and hospitality. Le Colonial was the perfect place to stay and we will definitely be recommending and returning.”